This is Spencer's first self-portrait in oils. In its dark and rich colour harmonies and its strongly modelled form, the painting attempts to emulate the style of an Old Master painting. Spencer recalled that he was inspired to paint it in this manner after seeing a reproduction of a head of Christ by an Italian Renaissance artist called Luini.... painted in the front bedroom... (http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/spencer-self-portrait-n06188) The self portrait that Stanley Spencer made at the age of 23 is beautiful beyond all reason.... He worked on it for 3 months during the first half of the year... But none of this is of any significance compared with the vulnerability and openness of this face. It is filled with intense anticipation.... Sensuality and lucidity, passion and a willingness to give of himself meet in this physiognomy that seems to breathe the world. An air of astonishment passes... (http://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/articles/visionary-projection-landscape-soul)